Police raid suspected vehicle ‘chop shop’

Police have raided a warehouse unit suspected to have been used as an illegal car ‘chop shop’ after receiving tip-offs from the public.

Three men were arrested at the Desirable Rentals unit in the Mirfield area of Huddersfield Road today (Tuesday) as part of a ongoing investigation into organised crime.

Sgt Dave Taylor from West Yorkshire Police said the move was linked to recent disorder in the Ravensthorpe area that followed a number of robberies and burglaries, eventually resulting in violence between a 150-strong mob two weeks ago.

He said the raid was part of a wider investigation into an organised crime operation in the north of England in which vehicles are allegedly stolen, dismantled for parts and then sold on.

Two men from Batley, aged 36 and 38, were arrested as well as a 29-year-old man from Dewsbury and are helping police with their inquiries.

A vehicle believed to have been stolen and an engine were also recovered from the unit.

Sgt Taylor said: “It’s a demonstration that we are listening to the intelligence that the public provides us with and we will act on it. But people must appreciate it can take further investigation after criminal activity is reported.”

Batley and Dewsbury councillors last week encouraged the public to remain calm following the violence in Ravensthorpe and told residents not to take the law into their own hands.